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Utility bills, they’re pretty much the worst! Being an adult means that each month you have to give a portion of your hard earned money to the water company, the electrical company, the gas company, etc. it’s an overall unpleasant experience. Take some of the pain out of paying your utility bills with this comprehensive money-saving checklist.

Water Bills:

1. Try to only run your dishwasher or your washing machines when you have a full load. If you absolutely have to wash a smaller load, make sure you’re using the correct water settings

6. Use a broom to sweep away leaves and dirt on your porch, instead of using a hose to wash away debris.

7. Have any leaks repaired right away. A small leak or a dripping faucet may not seem like a huge deal, and it can be tempting to ignore the leak and save money on a costly repair. However, ignoring a leak is a major mistake that will cause a significant increase in your monthly water bill. If you notice a leak, contact us right away to have it fixed.

Keep in mind that not all leaks are easy to spot. You could have a leak in your pipes, where you wouldn’t be able to see it. There are a couple of signs to look out for, to help you determine if you have a hidden leak.

-Depending on where the leaky pipe is located, you might start to notice some water damage.

If you suspect you may have a hidden leak somewhere, or if you just want some peace of mind, contact us today and we’ll send out one of our professional plumbers to inspect and correct the problem.

8. Opt to thaw foods in the fridge instead of running them under hot water in the sink.

9. You’ve heard this one a hundred times before, but turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth or lathering up your hands.

10. You can reuse the water you cook with to water your plants or in the garden.

11. Plan ahead when you purchase new appliances. Investing in energy efficient dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, etc. is a great way to ensure that you’ll see long-term savings on your water and your power utility bills.

Electrical and Gas Bills:

1. Change your air filters regularly. By changing your air filters as recommended you will help ensure that your furnace and your air conditioner are running properly and efficiently, saving you money on your monthly power bills.

2. Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.

3. Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing; when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

4. During winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. Then during summer, keep the window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.

6. Set your programmable thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer, and depending on the season raise or lower the set point when you’re sleeping or away from home.

7. Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible. About 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes use less water and use cooler water. Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half.

13. Schedule yearly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment with one of our heating and cooling technicians.

14. Attics must be ventilated to relieve heat buildup caused by the sun. If necessary, improve attic airflow by adding or enlarging vents.

15. Save money on lighting your home with controls such as timers and photocells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Our Certified Electricians can help you select and install the products that are compatible with the energy-efficient bulbs you want to use.

16. Select a refrigerator with automatic moisture control. Models with this feature have been engineered to prevent moisture accumulation on the cabinet exterior without the addition of a heater. This is not the same thing as an “anti-sweat” heater. Models with an anti-sweat heater will consume 5% to 10% more energy than models without this feature.

17. Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator and 5°F for the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0°F.

18. Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you might consider buying a new unit.

19. Be sure to place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water; placing the lever in the hot position uses energy to heat the water even though it may never reach the faucet. By keeping your faucet in the cold position, you’ll save money on both your water and energy utility bills.

20. If you need to purchase a natural gas oven or range, look for one with an automatic, electric ignition system. An electric ignition saves natural gas because a pilot light is not burning continuously.

21. In natural gas appliances, look for blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment may be needed. Consult the manufacturer or your local utility company.

22. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, and you will save energy.

23. Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water; it’s faster and it uses less energy.

24. Use small electric pans or toaster ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven. A toaster oven uses a third to half as much energy as a full-sized oven.

25. Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens whenever it is convenient to do so. They will save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.

26. Unplug your electronics when you’re not using them. Even if you turn these items off, they will still draw power, wasting energy and your money.

27. If you aren’t going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes turn off the monitor and turn off the CPU and monitor if you’re not going to use your PC for more than 2 hours.

28. Switch to energy efficient light-bulbs.

29. Don’t put hot foods in the fridge. Allow food to cool a little before placing them in the refrigerator for storage. Placing hot foods in the fridge will raise the temperature of your fridge, causing it to work twice as hard to cool the unit back down, costing you more money on your power bill.

30. Have us come out and perform an Energy Safety Savings Analysis. An Energy Safety Savings Analysis will help discover even more ways for you to save money on your utility bills.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Valentine’s Day is coming up and it could be a chilly one. However, the cold weather outside doesn’t mean you can’t heat things up inside! Here are a few ideas to share the love and stay warm in every room of your home this Valentine’s Day.

Heat Up Your Kitchen.

The best way to warm up someone’s heart is through their stomach. If any of your Valentine’s Day plans involve staying home and preparing a romantic dinner, you’ll want to include these tips for a little extra heat.

Start dinner with a steaming bowl of soup. The long-simmering cooking process will help heat up your kitchen. Plus the warm soup will help raise your core body temperature.

Don’t skip your carbs. Your body turns carbs into energy, which will provide your body with some added warmth. Just don’t overdo it on the carbs, since it is Valentine’s Day. Try sticking to complex carbs, so you can avoid the sleepy, full feeling and the sugar crash. And remember not to stuff yourself!

Don’t trap the heat. After you’re done preparing your romantic dinner, leave the oven door propped open a little. This allows the heat from your oven to flow through your kitchen for added warmth. Just remember to make sure the oven is turned off the moment you’re done cooking. You should never use your oven to heat your home!

Don’t Freeze in the Living Room.

Cuddling with your loved one on the sofa and watching a movie is a simple and romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day. But include a few of these ideas to take things to the next level and create more heat between the two of you.

Opt for more romantic lighting. Placing a few candles around the room is not only a way to set the right Valentine’s Day mood, but they help produce extra heat. Just never leave candles unattended. For added romance choose scented candles.

Snuggle up. Cuddling together under a warm blanket while watching television is a great way to stay warm. Plus it’s super romantic and extremely affordable.

Don’t forget the hot chocolate. When snuggling on the sofa, use a warm cup of hot cocoa for added warmth and romance.

Build a cozy fort. That’s right! Grab your blankets and pillows and build yourselves a little fort in the living room. Not only will you be warm, but a fort adds a real level of fun to your Valentine’s Day! Grab a few board games and your tablet to make your fort even better.

If you have a fireplace, use it. Nothing says romance and warmth more than a roaring fire.

Keep A Toasty Bathroom.

Remember that when you’re getting ready for your Valentine’s Day date that you can still stay warm.

Don’t waste that hot water. After you’re done taking a bath, don’t drain the water. Let the warm water stay in the tub until it is at least warm temperature. The heat from the water will help warm your bathroom. Plus, the warm water will add extra humidity to your home.

Heating Up The Bedroom

Staying warm in the bedroom this Valentine’s Day is easier than you might think!

Toss on an extra blanket. Layers are a great way to stay warm and your bed is not an exception. So make sure you have enough comfy blankets before trying to go to sleep.

Plan ahead. Grab a rubber water bottle or two, fill them with hot water and place them between your sheets a few hours before you go to bed. Doing this will help ensure that your bed is warm and toasty when you go to turn in.

Indoor camping? If the cold really bothers you, toss a sleeping bag on your bed. Sleeping bags are typically better insulated than most blankets. So, you and your partner can snuggle up together in perfect comfort.

Other Ideas For Staying Warm This Valentine’s Day

In case your Valentine’s Day isn’t warm enough for you, here are a few more ideas to help you out.

Get active. Getting up and moving around is one of the best ways to warm yourself up. Try taking your date dancing, go bowling or go rollerblading.

Make sure your home is always at the perfect temperature. A properly maintained and functioning furnace is the key to ensuring your home is always toasty and comfy. Call us at (866) 844-3770 or check us out online at TrustTiger.com, to schedule your furnace check up today.

Winter weather and frigid temperatures have come to the St. Louis Metro East area and with it comes an increase in heating costs. But staying warm and comfortable does not have to cost you an arm and a leg! Just follow these simple money saving tips to help get you through the long cold winter months.

1. Try layering your clothing.

The first and perhaps easiest step to staying warm this winter is layering your clothes. You may not need to set your thermostat has high if you can wear enough layers to help keep you comfortable.

2. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!

The heat from your furnace just loves to escape your home through poorly insulated walls and ceilings. Ensuring that your ceilings, walls, basement, attic, etc. are well insulated will not only save you money during the winter, but proper insulation will save you money on your heating and cooling bill all year long. Which means choosing high-quality insulation is a worthwhile investment for both your home and your wallet.

3. Seal up your home.

Use caulk around your windows, especially if you have an older home/ older windows. Nothing wastes money during the winter months like drafty windows!

4. A little maintenance now can save you big later!

Your furnace is working twice as hard to keep up with the plummeting temperatures during the winter months. If your furnace isn’t operating at its optimal level, you’re basically burning money on heating costs. Contact us today to have your heating systeminspected and tuned-up, for added peace of mind and savings this winter.

5. Block off unused rooms.

If there are rooms in your home that are not used often, you can save some money on your heating bill by closing off those rooms. Make sure that you close the heating vents and all doors. WARNING: don’t close off a room that contains plumbing, you don’t want to have to worry about frozen pipes.

6. Make your windows work for you!

During the day, open your blinds and curtains and let the sunlight naturally warm your home. Then at night, close those blinds and curtains, to help keep the warm air inside your home and keep drafts out.

7. Cook more.

Using your oven will help you heat your kitchen (and home depending on your layout). So, put that oven to work by making a roast, meatloaf, casserole, etc. and after you’re done cooking dinner, bake a cake or some brownies to keep that oven running longer. After you’re done cooking/baking, TURN YOUR OVEN OFF and then leave the oven door cracked open to get the most heat out of your oven as possible. WARNING: you should never use your oven as the only method to heat your home and NEVER run your oven when you’re not cooking.

8. Turn on your ceiling fans.

Winter may seem like an odd time to run your ceiling fan, but they can distribute warm air through your home efficiently. If you set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise and run it on a low speed, it will help push the warm air back down. This is extremely helpful and cost effective since warm air rises.

Here are a few more helpful money saving heating tips for winter:

Change your filter at least once a month, to help ensure that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible.

Setting your programmable thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees when you’re not home, can save you up to 15% on your heating bill.

To keep the warm air flowing freely, be sure to clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed. Remember to make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.

Eliminate trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if unsure about how to perform this task, contact a professional.

Place towels, pipe insulation or some other form of thick material at the bottom of your exterior doors. This will help prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from pouring in.

Winter is everyone’s favorite time of year. Just kidding! Winter is a rough season for those of us who live in the Midwest. All of that snow, ice, frigid winds, bitterly cold temperatures. Plus all of the fun that accompanies the unpleasant weather. Like; icy windshields, frozen pipes, high heating bills, snow covered driveways, cold and flu season, etc. winter can be a long, miserable three months. Not to mention, expensive! The good news is that there are several things you can do to help cut the costs of staying warm and comfortable this winter.The cost of heating your home is by far your biggest expense during the winter months, but there are ways to cut down on your costs.

Change your filter at least once a month, to help ensure that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible.

Setting your programmable thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees when you’re not home, can save you up to 15% on your heating bill.

To keep the warm air flowing freely, be sure to clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed. Remember to make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.

Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.

Keep your curtains and blinds on your windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home. And close them at night to help keep heat inside and reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

November is Child Safety and Protection Month and your home can be very dangerous for your kiddos. You want to keep your kids and family safe and you think you’ve child proofed your home well enough, but maybe there are a few safety issues you’re overlooking.

Check out these simple home safety tips, design to protect your children.

Most water heaters allow you to set the temperature but have a manufacture default water heating setting. It is best to set the temperature yourself and ensure that it’s not hotter than 115-120 degrees F. By lowering the water temperature settings, you’ll reduce the risk of scalding water burns. If you’re not sure how to set your water heater temperature settings our professional plumbers will be happy to help! And be sure to ask about an Anti-Scald Device for added safety!

2. Invest in a good welcome mat

You don’t know what toxins, debris, pesticides and other harmful elements maybe on your or your guests shoes. Having a good welcome mat that you and your guests can use to wipe a way dirt and debris is extremely helpful.

To help prevent shocks, electrical burns and possible electrocution, GFCIs should always be used in all kitchens, bathrooms and anywhere water might come in contact with an electrical outlet. GFCIs are designed to shut off when they come into contact with water. So if you drop something in a sink full of water, the appliance should power off before it can cause a shock. (But you still should keep electrical appliances a way from water, just to be safe).

Most homes should already have GFCIs installed, but if your home is older or if additional outlets have been installed, you’ll want to ensure that they are GFCIs. If you aren’t sure if your outlets are GFCIs one of our Electricians will happily check for you! Just click here to make an appointment.

4. Choose nontoxic decor

House plants are often used to liven up a home. Just make sure that you do your research before selecting a new house plant. Some children cannot resist munching on colorful plants, so make sure the plants in your home are nontoxic!

Have a fire extinguisher near gas appliances at all times. Use a CO2 or dry-chemical extinguisher for the kitchen.

Teach children never to light or play with the controls of any gas appliances.

Keep the pilot lights of your gas range lit. If you put them out to save energy, a dangerous gas build-up can occur if someone accidentally turns on the range.

Never use your gas range to heat your home or apartment. This practice creates a serious fire hazard and puts you and your family at risk from dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.

If You Smell Natural Gas

Open windows or doors and leave your home immediately!

Do not look for the source of the smell with any open flame (even using a flashlight could be dangerous).

If the smell is very strong, or you hear a blowing or hissing noise, leave immediately.

Do not use anything that could generate a spark

Do not use the telephone

Do not turn light switches or equipment using electricity on or off.

Do not turn vehicle ignitions on or off.

Go to a neighboring phone and call the fire department or 911.

6. Be careful where you place your furniture

Blocking vents and/or heaters with furniture of any kind is a potential fire hazard. Make sure that you anchor all bookcases and larger furniture pieces to the wall, to prevent them from falling on top of children. Securely mount large televisions to the wall or place them on top of low to the ground, secure furniture pieces.

Is it just me or does it always seem to get cold (and often rainy) just in time for Trick-or-Treating, Halloween Parades and other fun outdoor Halloween festivities? Let’s be prepared to stay warm as temperatures dip into the low 40’s and as the rain rolls in.

1. Layers are your friend

Before you and your little trick-or-treaters head out this Halloween, take a few pictures of everyone in their costumes, then add on a coat and/or sweat shirt. Once the sun goes down it will be too cold for your little ones to bare without an extra layer or two.

Pro Tip: If your child absolutely refuses to cover up their super cute costume with a coat, try getting them to put a sweat shirt on underneath their outfit for added warmth. But remember to still bring that coat along with you; you’ll be glad you did!

2. Things you’ll want to bring with you.

The radar might say that you’ll miss the rain while trick-or-treating or at the parade, but is your luck really that good? It’s better to pack a small umbrella for your own peace of mind. And those Halloween parades can get mighty chilly once the sun goes down, so you might want to bring a couple of extra blankets for your comfort.

3. You can’t control the weather outside, but you can have the perfect temperature waiting for you at home!

Coming home to a nice toasty house after being outdoors for long hours this Halloween will be a special treat you give yourself! You’ll want to ensure that your furnace is running properly and ready to keep you and your family warm. That’s why we’re offering you a little Halloween treat of our own!

To have your furnace inspected by a professional to ensure you don’t have to worry about your heating system failing you this Halloween call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com today!

The scariest thing waiting for you this Halloween is your power bill. Fortunately, scary Halloween creatures like ghosts, vampires and zombies are make-believe but your overpriced power bill is all too real. This Halloween let’s take some of the scary out of your monthly power bill with these great money saving tips!

1. Scary movies keeping you up late this Halloween?

Horror movies are great, but let’s face it, it’s not the scary monsters that are haunting your dreams. No, it’s the added cost from all of those extra TV hours will add to your electric bill. If you know you might fall asleep in the middle of a movie, set your TV’s timer to shut off for you. That way you won’t waste hours of extra electricity while you’re sleeping.

2. Is the thought of heating your home scaring you to death?

An inefficient running heating or cooling system is a huge expense to any homeowner. If your heating system is constantly requiring service or if it’s over 17 years old, it’s probably time to start thinking about replacing it, before winter weather sets in. A new furnace is a great way to save money and make your power bill seem a lot less scary. To have a professional explain how you can save real money on a new furnace call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit us online today!

3. Keep the heat inside your home this Halloween

During the long winter months ahead, when the weather is just so miserably cold and gross, you can help keep the cost of heating down by keeping the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day. This will allow the sunlight to enter and help warm your home. Then you should keep your drapes closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

4. Let it go!

Remove trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if unsure about how to perform this task, contact a professional.

5. Don’t be afraid of the dark this Halloween

Turn off lights when you leave a room or when you don’t really need them. This is a simple way to save some money on your power bill.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Autumn is in full swing and that means your fall allergies are taking over your life! It doesn’t have to be this way. You can stop allergies from ruining your fall fun and it’s simpler than you might think!

Are you unsure if you have fall allergies? Check out these common symptoms to find out:

Runny Nose

Scratchy or asore throat

Watery eyes

Itchy eyes

Sneezing

Coughing

Dark circles under the eyes

And other cold like symptoms

Your doctor can tell you for sure whether or not you’re suffering from fall allergies.

If you already know that you suffer from fall allergies, then you’re probably looking for the best ways to stop them in their tracks and put an end to your suffering. Luckily for you, there are a few easy steps you can take to provide yourself with some much-needed relief.

Bathing and showering regularly will remove allergens from your skin and hair, helping to lessen the power that fall allergies have over you.

Wash your sheets and other bedding items every week to help prevent dust mite build up.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, be sure to change your clothes as soon as you go inside.

Make sure you clean your heating vents before you turn on your furnace to prevent the dust, pollen and other allergens getting into the air.

Make sure you dust all hard surfaces in your home at least once a week to remove dust and allergens.

Keep your windows closed to keep allergy triggers outside.

Be on the lookout for mold. Mold is an allergy many people suffer from and it can grow just about anywhere. To have your home inspected for hidden mold by a professional call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com today!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

It looks like fall weather has finally arrived in the Midwest and most of us will be giving in to the cold weather and will be turning on our furnaces.

And what’s the first thing you will likely notice when that furnace kicks on? A strong odor that lets you know winter is on the way. But what causes this odor and should you be concerned?

That odor you’re noticing, when you first start-up your furnace could indicate a health risk!

The odor is often caused by airborne dust and household chemicals that have settled on the furnace. These are “burnt” off as the furnace heats up. The main source of this problem is from unclean or poorly filtered ductwork where dust, pet hair and debris have settled and decayed over the years.

This debris build-up not only creates that unpleasant smell, but it can also be a fire risk. For your safety and to improve your indoor air quality you should have your ductwork expertly cleaned by a trained professional.

Another potential cause of your furnace’s odor is an old, dirty air filter. If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filter, you need to do that right away!

There are also products and air filters designed to not only improve your indoor air quality and health, but they also run more efficiently, are designed to save you money and require less maintenance.

To have all of your ductwork professionally cleaned and have your air filter changed or upgraded call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com today!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

It’s Fire Prevention Day and you may not be aware of all of the potential fire hazards that are in your home. Fire prevention is no joke and ensuring that your home is up to date and that the risks of home fires are minimal is essential for any homeowner.

Here are some simple fire prevention facts and tips to keep your home and family safe!

Almost 16,000 residential fires each year involve lint-clogged dryer vents

Cleaning your lint trap after every load will aid in your dryer vent fire prevention plan, but this action is not enough on its own to prevent a clothes dryer fire.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these clothes dryer fires result in 20 deaths, 370 injuries and over $75 million in property damage each year.

Periodic cleaning of your dryer vent helps eliminate the risk to your home and family.

If you haven’t cleaned or checked your vent in the last four years, you should do it now.

Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical Services has invested in the proper tools to clean your dryer vent quickly and without leaving a mess in your home. Call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com today to have your vents professionally cleaned.

Fire Prevention and Your Water Heater

Water heaters are not only fire hazards but a neglected water heater can potentially cause an explosion

Water heaters come equipped with temperature and pressure valves

These valves are designed to open up and provide ventilation, if your water heater over heats or pressure builds up.

If these valves malfunction and fail to open, the pressure and temperature in your water heater can build up, causing an explosion.

For your safety, you should have your temperature and pressure valve checked once a year by a professional plumber.

Combustion Chamber Hatch in Gas Water Heaters

If dust or debris accumulates underneath your water heater it can lead to issues with your combustion chamber hatch, turning your water heater into a fire hazard.

For ultimate fire prevention and protection, you should have the area around your combustion chamber hatch inspected and clean by a professional plumber yearly.

Smoke alarms are your number one defense against a potential deadly house fire

In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning that could save your life.

Where Should You Put Smoke Alarms in Your Home?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.

Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning.

So for extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.

Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible.

Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions or have an Electrician professional install them for your piece of mind.

Fire prevention is no joke and if you have any concerns about the potential fire hazards of your homes plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical systems call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com to have your systems evaluated for potential fire risks.